Indians love thali – and they’re hungry for the ‘56-inch Modi’ version
- The nationally beloved repast is an eye-popping variety of dishes, from sides and snacks to mains and desserts
- While there are regional versions across the country, a gargantuan platter referencing a quote from the prime minister is growing in popularity
You can choose from the Punjabi, Bengali, or Bihari versions, to name just a few – or you can opt for the “56-inch Modi thali”, which some restaurants have taken to serving as a tribute to the prime minister.
The 56-inch thali is a reference to Modi’s close colleague and Indian Home Minister Amit Shah calling the PM a “man with a 56-inch chest” who could take on terrorists to protect the country from their attacks.
The gargantuan platter comprises more than two dozen dishes, including quintessential Indian palate pleasers such dal makhani (creamy black lentils), naan, chicken curry, lachcha paratha (layered bread), a selection of seasonal vegetables, and desserts such as gulab jamun and kheer (rice pudding). It comes in a vegetarian or non-vegetarian version.
“The ‘Modi Ji 56-inch Bahubali thali’ has got a phenomenal response from our diners since we launched it in 2017,” said husband-and-wife duo Suveett Kalra and Megha Kalra, owners of Ardor 2.1, a multi-cuisine restaurant located in Connaught Place, in the heart of the Indian capital of New Delhi. “It is a tribute to our prime minister, who is known to take on difficult challenges. Similarly, our restaurant also takes on the challenge of preparing this thali with 32 dishes served hot at the customers’ table within 30 minutes.”
